Does anyone have any driving tips for a first time PSD owner. Like info about factory shift points with a stock trans and so on. Also I have noticed that it seams to lock the TC better when i get on it a little harder in 3rd gear (automatic) Or maybe i am just hiting the factory lock speed?

 

Road Testing Vehicle
The following Shift Point Road Test and Torque Converter Clutch Operation Test provide diagnostic information on transmission shift controls and torque converter operation.

Shift Point Road Test

NOTE: Always drive the vehicle in a safe manner according to driving conditions and obey all traffic laws.

NOTE: If equipped, turn the Power Take-Off (PTO) unit off for correct test results. For a description of PTO operation, refer to Transmission Electronic Control System.

This test verifies that the shift control system is operating correctly.


Bring engine and transmission up to normal operating temperature.
Operate the vehicle with the transmission range selector lever in D range.
Apply minimum throttle and observe the speeds at which the upshift occurs and the torque converter engages.
With the vehicle in OVERDRIVE (fourth gear), depress the transmission control switch. The transmission should downshift to third gear. Remove foot from accelerator pedal; engine braking should occur.
Press accelerator pedal to floor (wide-open throttle). Transmission should shift from third to second gear or third to first, depending on vehicle speed. Torque converter clutch should disengage and then reapply.
With vehicle in the D range above 80 km/h (50 mph) and less than half throttle, move the transmission range selector lever from D range to MANUAL 2 range and remove foot from accelerator pedal. The transmission should immediately downshift into second gear. With the vehicle remaining in MANUAL 2 range, move transmission range selector lever into MANUAL 1 range. Transmission should downshift into first gear at speeds BELOW 53 km/h (33 mph).
If transmission fails to upshift/downshift or torque converter clutch does not apply and release, refer to Diagnosis by Symptom for concern diagnosis. See: Diagnosis By Symptom
Shift Speed Application Charts


Applications Shift Speeds - Approximate Km/h (MPH) (F-250, F-350, F450, F550, Super Duty with 7.3L DITD)

Shift speed Chart: Shift speeds based on 3.73/4.10 ratio


Closed throttle
OD/D 4-3 41-44/37-40
OD/D 3-2 17-18/15-16
OD/D 2-1 8-9/7-8


Light throttle
TPS voltage @1.25
OD/D 1-2 15-17/14-15
OD/D 2-3 27-30/25-27
OD/D 3-4 46-50/42-45

Wide open throttle
OD/D 1-2 28-30/25-27
OD/D 2-3 50-54/45-48
OD/D 3-4 76-83/69-75

 

Wow that is some good info. I'd give you Rep if i could...

 

great info, thanks. Any pointers for best mpg driving? other than to stay under 2krmp on highway? does this also apply to pulling from stop signs/lights etc?

 

I will tell you the BEST way that you're going to get good mileage. You've heard it before...drive like there's a fresh egg (not hard boiled as they're easier to clean up) between your foot and the accelerator pedal.

As far as the pulling from stop signs at light load, you should get:

1-2 Shift 14-17 MPH
2-3 Shift 25-30 MPH
3-4 Shift 42-50 MPH

 

Make sure to check your tire inflation prssures as well.
I had 2 soft tires that robbed 2 mpg or so

 

One other thing to consider is that the PCM (powertrain control module) controls the shift points. If the transmission shifts drastically later (or not at all) and there are no shift solenoid electrical codes, then there is most likely an internal mechanical failure, a hydraulic failure, or an input failure to the PCM.

 

thanks for the info. i have been light footing it as much as i can but i can't hold myself back long lol. It does shift as described in the big post above, i just wanted to make sure the shifts are normal.
How much airpressure do you normally run in stock size tires? i havn't checked mine yet, but the look to be pretty firm. I also just added a bottle of DK when i changed out my fuel filter.
1 more thing.. How close are the fuel gauges on these trucks. is it linear, half a tank 20 gal, 3/4 tank 30? i have noticed that it likes to change its mind a lot on what is in it. depending on how it is parked.

 

You know, while I'm on this "kick", I will go ahead and say that large tires are non-conducive to good mileage. Wider tires generally weigh more and have greater wind resistance.

If you are looking for the absolute best mileage, replace your 265/75-16s with some 235/85-16s. They are the same height, but 30mm (nearly an inch) narrower.

Tire pressures are critical to good mileage, too.

 

I run load range E tires due to the loads I carry and the air pressure they can hold. I run 70-75 PSI constantly but only because I carry a huge trailer. Also, tires are rated for the weight on the sidewall only at max. PSI. See my last post on tire sizes.

As for the fuel tank...yep you've already noticed that you have "less" fuel when parked nose down and "more" fuel when going uphill. Unfortunately, fuel level varies between trucks. Float levels, float arms, etc. are all different on all trucks...just don't run her empty and you'll be OK. Also, don't trust the lie-o-meter in the console if you have one.

 

It already has the 235/85's on it. so thats a plus. And yeah if i back in my driveway and if i pull in my driveway i have a pretty large difference in the fuel gauge. Way more than i was used to in my jeep, but if i parked on a hill that put the drives seat lower than the passenger seat in my jeep then it would show less fuel too. And looking at the length of the factory fuel tank in the truck i can see why it does that. I just wanted to confirm that it was a normal thing.
I guess i'll have to follow the recomendation of a guy i work with and just pay attention to how much i put in compared to what the gauge says i have.
I don't have a lie o meter.
Also IF i would run out of fuel, what is the proper way to start back up from a run out? Just turn on the key and listen to the pump until its not so noisy like i did when i changed the fuel filter?
Sorry for all of the questions i have never had a diesel before and i'm learning all i can.

 

One good thing about the 99-up powerstrokes is the electric fuel pump on the frame. Crank it till it fires...which shouldn't be too long. However, if it's got a stock fuel system, it will sputter and miss for a few miles as the air is purged out of the heads through the injectors WHICH IS NOT GOOD FOR THEM!!!

 

ok thanks a bunch. I might just carry a few gallons with me until i trust my guage. incase i would run out.

 

The design or the fuel pickup in the tank doesn't lend itself well to running low on fuel.
It airrates the fuel into a bubbly mix introducing air into the fuel system. This shortens injector life and increases knock from the engine.

Daddy always said it runs just as good in the upper half as it does in the lower.

Try not to run under 1/4 tank and you'll save yourself alot of trouble